Akron Reporter

Akron is one of 25 cities to receive Bloomberg Philanthropies’ support to turbocharge local climate action and create more prosperous communities 

Akron, Ohio   — On March 12, 2024, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik announced Akron was selected by Bloomberg Philanthropies as one of 25 U.S. cities to join Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities. Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities is a three-year initiative designed to leverage historic levels of federal funding to incubate and implement transformative local solutions to build low-carbon, resilient, and economically thriving communities. Building on the longtime leadership of U.S. cities to confront the overlapping crises of climate change and racial wealth inequity, the $200 million Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative will provide deep support to selected cities to pursue transformative solutions through partnerships with PolicyLink, Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, and Natural Resources Defense Council.  

By participating in Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities, Akron will receive a Bloomberg Philanthropies-funded innovation team (i-team) with up to three dedicated staff with expertise in data analysis, insight development, human-centered design, systems thinking, and project management to bolster city capacity in driving progress on climate mitigation and promoting equitable outcomes. The city will also receive multi-year, in-depth, customized policy and technical assistance in collaboration with community-based organizations to mobilize public, private, and philanthropic investments.   

The city is currently seeking qualified local candidates for two roles on the innovation team. To learn more and apply please click the links here for Director and Civic Designer.   

“I’m excited Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities is helping cities, including Akron, tackle climate change and racial wealth inequities,” said Mayor Malik. “The innovation team will help us tackle real issues in the lives of Akronites – leveraging philanthropic funding to create and grow a truly sustainable and equitable Akron. With the added staff capacity and the network of other cities working towards similar solutions, we will be more innovative and engaged with the community in ideating, developing, and executing projects that create local solutions to the problems facing not only our city but the entire world.”   

Akron was chosen by Bloomberg Philanthropies for Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities based on its leadership and ambition to build resilient, equitable communities.   

"I'm proud Akron is one of 25 cities chosen for this exciting program,” said Casey Shevlin, Director of Sustainability and Resiliency for the City of Akron. “The support and added capacity from Bloomberg will bolster our efforts in designing initiatives and pursuing funding to build a more equitable, sustainable Akron."  

Esther Thomas, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the City of Akron, said “It is a privilege to work on this project that centers racial wealth inequity and climate change not as intractable problems but as opportunities to address real change here in our hometown of Akron.”

Original source can be found here.